Information
Qualifying Exam
The qualifying exam (QE) represents a shared responsibility between professors and their students. Professors are responsible for informing advisees about the format and general content of the QE. Students are responsible for being prepared to successfully complete the examination as well as for meeting administrative requirements and deadlines specified in the COE Advanced Graduate Handbook.
The QE is a summative evaluation. It represents a terminal performance where students demonstrate a level of scholastic mastery that allows them to begin the task of independent research. At the same time, successful completion of the QE is a rite of passage that heralds a new relationship between mentor and doctoral student.
The Early Childhood Program requires all doctoral students to complete a Summative Test in fulfillment of the qualifying exam. The Summative Test is 12 hours in length, is administered over a 3-day period in 4 hour segments, and integrates the work in the student’s specialization area, the cognate area, and measurement or foundations area.
Timeline for Completion
Doctoral students may pursue both full-time and part-time study. The degree must be completed within eight years of admission into the program.
Candidacy
Upon successful completion of coursework and the qualifying exam, the student files the appropriate paperwork with the Dean’s office requesting admission into candidacy. Once the candidacy is approved, the student becomes a doctoral candidate (rather than a doctoral student), and the student is ABD (All But Dissertation).